Underutilized Fruits of Assam for Livelihood and Nutritional Security

Abstract

India is endowed with a rich genetic diversity of fruits. The Hindustani center represents 344 species of fruits. Northeast India, meeting ground of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese bio-geographical areas is one of the 18 mega-biodiversity centers of the World, has contributed the fruit genera like Citrus, Musa, Mangifera, Docynia, Elaeocarpus, Myrica, Morus, Artocarpus, etc. There are a quite large number of indigenous and underutilized fruit crops, which are being used by the local inhabitants in rural areas. These underutilized fruits are fairly rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidant properties and are serving as protective food. Because of their curative properties, different parts of these fruits and plants have been used in ethnomedicine. Apart from their nutritive and medicinal values, quite a few of these underutilized fruits have good flavor, color and juice content and can be used for value additions. Several underutilized fruit species which have the potential for commercial exploitation are yet to be utilized to their potential. These fruit crops have not undergone any conscious phase of domestication and selection. Their cultivation is very restricted, and they grow in wild and semi-wild condition and adapt to local climatic conditions. Hence they can thrive even under the most adverse situation. Their adoption on a commercial scale, with crop improvement, standardization of cultural practices and popularization in diverse farming systems and value additions are warranted to achieve stability in farm production and food security. Many underutilized species, well adapted to marginal lands and with low-cost inputs, may thus be of great benefit for the survival of poor communities, employment generation and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

An overview of the unexplored underutilized fruit crops of Assam, India

“…It is assessed that each 100 gm of the pulp of Bael contain 61.5 gm of water, 1.80 gm of protein, 0.39 gm of fats, 1.70 gm of minerals, 31.8 gm of sugars, 55 mg of carotene, 0.13 gm of thiamine, 1.19 gm riboflavin, 1.1 mg of niacin and 8 gm. of nutrient C (Barua et al, 2019). Likewise, trifoliate leaves are utilised in puja and petitions of Lord Shiva (Neha et al, 2014).…”

“…There are various minor fruits in Assam which have restorative, remedial and dietary benefit. These are additionally known for their superb flavour, deliciousness and alluring appearance (Barua et al, 2019). Urban buyers today are getting progressively cognizant and mindful of their wellbeing and nourishing angles.…”

“…There exists a rich assorted varietal diversity of fruits over the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, with in excess of 500 types of fruits evaluated to be found in South East Asia alone. South and Southeast Asia represent above 300 species of native minor fruits (Barua et al, 2019). Assam has been the point of convergence of different tropical and temperate fruit species, a huge part of which still remain in a wild or semi-wild state.…”

“…grow extensively in wild and semi -wild state, the sundried slice of fruit pieces are being used in culinary purpose and also used in folk medicine. Species, like Garcinia pedunculata, G. kydia, G. cowa and G. lancifolia are the most important species found in Assam (Barua et al, 2019).…”

Underutilized Fruits and Vegetables in Hot Arid Regions of India: Status and Prospects: A Review

“…Several less-known fruit species which have the potential for commercial exploitation are yet to be utilized to their potential (Pareek and Sharma, 1993). Most of these species have wide adaptability as well as high degree of tolerance to stresses and can thrive even under most adverse situations (Mitra et al 2010).There are approximately 600 species of tropical and subtropical region which are more known in their areas of diversity and have not yet been utilized to their full potential (Barua et al 2019). These species serve as protective food for people living in unprivileged rural areas to meet their requirements of vitamins and minerals.…”